Our new selection (thank you Jenny) is "Sacred Hearts: A Novel" by Sarah Dunant. Briefly, it's a Publisher's Weekly starred review. A novel about convents, forbidden romance, singing, apothecary, faith and freedom. Whoa. We'll meet at Kris' house on Nov. 4th (right?).
We had a great meeting this past Thursday. "The Forgotten Garden" generated a lot of comments and discussion. Here's the YouTube bit from the author, Kate Morton:
Most agreed it was well worth reading and some found it almost too consuming. Particularly impressive was Morton's ability to weave the story lines together, crossing over time and place. The book provided opportunity to discuss the idea of identity and what it might mean to loose one's sense of family. Interesting concepts that apparently were true aspects of the author's own family history. We also had some time to talk about the fairy tales and the role they played in the book. I think everyone liked those dark Victorian tales... I personally hope to read Morton's other book, "The House at Riverton".
And speaking of that, I have Sarah Dunant's other book, "The Birth of Venus" on my bookshelf. OK, I haven't read it yet, but am always happy to lone books out if someone has interest. I have to read our new selection and "The Lace Reader" by Brunonia Barry first. Hoping it'll be a stormy winter so I have excuses to stay indoors reading!
I went to hear Brunonia speak at the NRAS last weekend. She was very talkative. And throughly engaging. I'll admit I bought her book kind of out of solidarity - she's from MA and involved with several writing groups I know - but after hearing her speak I am truly looking forward to reading her novel. I'll let you know how it is.
Some final notes before I sign off;
Boston Book Festival is Saturday October 16th. This year I am determined to go. And the next writer at the NRAS will be Lynne Griffin author of "Life without Summer". That will be on Oct. 23rd (see below).
Happy reading!
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